PDEA chief believes Robredo can ‘well contribute’ to advocacy vs drugs

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) chief Aaron Aquino said Tuesday that he believes Vice President Leni Robredo can “well contribute” to the advocacy against the drug menace and in rehabilitation efforts for arrested suspects.

Aquino said he welcomes President Rodrigo Duterte’s appointment of Robredo as co-chairperson of the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD) to lead the government’s efforts against illegal drugs until June 30, 2022.

READ: BREAKING: Duterte appoints Robredo co-chair of gov’t committee vs illegal drugs

“PDEA believes that she can well contribute on the advocacy and rehabilitation or reintegration clusters,” Aquino said in a text message to INQUIRER.net.

He said this just a day after saying that Robredo “will fail” if she becomes drug czar and takes over the war on drugs.

But according to Aquino, he was only pertaining to the law enforcement part of the campaign.

“She will have difficulties basing on experience and in dealing with law enforcers in case this will be her first time,” he said.

Once Robredo accepts the post, she will sit in the committee alongside with Aquino, who serves as chairperson of ICAD. PDEA leads the 20-member agencies of the committee, including the Philippine National Police, Department of National Defense, Dangerous Drugs Board, and the National Bureau of Investigation.

Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac, PNP spokesperson, meanwhile said that the police will comply with the order of the President.

“The PNP will extend its utmost courtesy, cooperation, and full assistance to the Vice President,” he said in a statement. /je